Preparing and dispensing mixed beverages

ABSTRACT

A beverage mixer and dispenser is disclosed. The housing of the beverage mixer and dispenser includes a mixing chamber and an extract container positioned above the mixing chamber. A metering device is positioned between the extract container and the mixing chamber to allow dispensing of a desired amount of extract from the extract container into the mixing chamber. The beverage mixer and dispenser includes a feed opening, which is exposed at an exterior surface of the housing and leads into the mixing chamber to allow for manual addition of drink additives to the mixing chamber. The beverage mixer and dispenser also includes a cream chamber. The cream chamber is adapted to receive a liquid-extract combination from the mixing chamber. A rotatable mixing rotor is positioned within the mixing chamber and a rotatable first cream rotor is located within the cream chamber to provide thorough mixing of the liquid-extract-cream combination.

CROSS REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent Application No.DE 103 05 881.8, filed Feb. 13, 2003 and DE 102 60 040.6, filed Dec. 19,2002, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to preparing and dispensing mixedbeverages.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Some machines that prepare and dispense mixed beverages include amixing chamber arranged in a housing. In some cases, the mixing chamberhas a filling opening in its upper region and at least one extractcontainer arranged above the filling opening to accommodate coffee orother powdery soluble extracts. The housing also has a metering devicefor the extract container, allowing for metering the chosen powderysoluble extract into the mixing chamber via a metering opening. Insidethe mixing chamber, the extract supplied from the metering device ismixed with a hot liquid such as water to produce a beverage.

[0004] Some such machines have more than one extract container, whichcan be filled with various powdery soluble extracts. According to theuser's selection, a portion of the chosen extract will be supplied tothe mixing chamber from the appropriate extract container and mixedtherein with a liquid, such as hot water, to make a beverage. However,since the number of extract containers must be quite limited for reasonsof overall size, a selection can only be made from a few differentextracts for mixed beverages. The wide range of powdery soluble extractsfor mixed beverages which are commonly available can thus not beutilized. Examples of such mixed beverages from soluble extracts arecoffee, white coffee, espresso, decaffeinated coffee, chocolate,cappuccino, tea, milk and coffee with cocoa. It is desired to make suchmachines more flexible in the choice of available beverage selectionsand beverage additives.

[0005] In many such machines, the powdery soluble coffee extract and, ifnecessary, milk powder, are dispensed into a funnel-shaped mixingchamber and dissolved by means of hot water which flows in via the hotwater supply. For mixing the hot water supply with the coffee extractthe hot water supply is directed into the mixing chamber approximatelyat right angles to the axis of rotation of the first cream rotor andapproximately tangentially to the side wall of the mixing chamber. Toform a circulating flow in the mixing chamber, the hot water must flowinto the mixing chamber at a certain minimum pressure, such as by directconnection to a pressurized water pipe (potentially limiting flexibilityof positioning and moving such machines once installed), or byincorporating a pump. Other means of improving the mixing and aerationof hot beverages in such machines are desired, preferably at lower costand greater convenience.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a beverage machine hasa mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has an opening in its upper region,so that drink extracts can be added. The drink extracts are stored inextract containers positioned above the upper opening of the mixingchamber. There is a metering device between the extract containers andthe mixing chamber to dispense the desired amount of drink extract fromthe container into the mixing chamber, where it is mixed with liquid inthe mixing chamber to produce a beverage. According to this aspect ofthe invention, there is also a feed opening, accessible from outside themachine, which leads into the mixing chamber, for adding drink additivesmanually to the mixing chamber.

[0007] If none of the existing extract containers is filled with thepowdery soluble extract from which the user chooses to prepare abeverage, he can supply the extract manually through the feed opening tothe mixing chamber where the beverage is prepared. This means that largenumbers of extract containers are not necessary to provide a largeselection of drink extracts.

[0008] In some embodiments, the feed opening is part of the upperopening.

[0009] Preferably, the mixing chamber is positioned in a chamber housingthat can be moved between a position in which the upper opening isdirectly below the metering device, and a position in which the feedopening is exposed for adding drink additives. The chamber housing forthe mixing chamber can either be linearly translatable between the firstand second positions, or it can pivot between the two positions. Thismakes the mixing chamber accessible so that it can easily be cleanedwhile in place. It is also easy to remove the mixing chamber, which isconstructed as a replaceable part, for cleaning purposes.

[0010] In some embodiments, part of the upper opening of the mixingchamber is covered by the extract container, and another part of theupper opening comprises the feed opening. Another embodiment includes alid for closing the exposed feed opening. The lid can be opened to adddrink extract. In some cases, the lid is pivotable on the housing. Theseconfigurations make the feed opening easily accessible to a user.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, there is a mixingchamber inside of a housing, with an upper opening for the addition ofdrink extracts. There are one or more extract containers positionedabove the opening, with metering devices that dispense the appropriateamount of drink extract into the mixing chamber. There is also a feedopening which leads to the mixing chamber. A mixed beverage can beproduced by manually adding a drink extract to the feed opening of themachine. After that, hot water is added to the mixing chamber and mixedwith the drink extract to make a hot beverage. The beverage is thendispensed into a receiving vessel beneath the mixing chamber.

[0012] In some embodiments, a desired amount of powdery drink extractfrom the extract container can be dispensed into the mixing chamber, andan additional powdery substance can be added through the feed opening,such that the hot beverage contains both a powdery, soluble substanceand the drink extract. The powdery soluble substance may be a drinkadditive.

[0013] In other embodiments, the powdery soluble substance can be adrink extract different from those in the extract containers. When mixedwith hot water, a hot beverage is produced.

[0014] In some embodiments, there is a feed chamber, which defines thefeed opening. The feed chamber is connected to the mixing chamber by atransport system.

[0015] According to anther aspect of the invention, a beverage machinehas a mixing chamber inside of a housing. The mixing chamber has anupper opening, and the housing also has an extract container positionedabove the upper opening of the mixing chamber. The extract containercontains powdery soluble drink extract. There is also a means fordispensing a metered amount of the drink extract from the extractcontainer into the mixing chamber through the upper opening, for mixingwith liquid in the mixing chamber to produce a beverage. Furthermore,there is a means for manually adding a soluble substance directly intothe mixing chamber through a feed opening.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage machinehas a mixing chamber inside of a housing. Powdery drink extract and hotwater are joined in the mixing chamber to produce hot beverages. Themixing chamber also has a lower outlet that leads to a cream chamberbelow the mixing chamber. There is a rotatable mixing rotor in themixing chamber to mix the hot water and powdery drink extracts, and arotatable first cream rotor in the cream chamber to mix cream into thehot beverage. The cream chamber has an outlet through which the creamy,mixed beverage flows into a receiving vessel for drinking.

[0017] One advantage to this aspect is that the beverage is verythoroughly mixed, first by the mixing rotor and then by the first creamrotor. This leads to a very frothy, well-mixed beverage. Anotheradvantage is that a pressurized water source is not necessary. Water maydrip or flow into the mixing chamber at any speed and thorough mixingcan still take place.

[0018] One embodiment has an extract container positioned above themixing chamber and containing a quantity of powdery drink extract. Theremay be a metering device disposed below the extract container fordispensing a measured amount of drink extract into the mixing chamberfor mixing with hot water.

[0019] Some embodiments include a feed opening leading into the mixingchamber for manual addition of a drink additive.

[0020] In some cases, the lower portion of the mixing chamber isfunnel-shaped. In some embodiments, the mixing rotor is located in thelower portion of the mixing chamber.

[0021] The water drops hitting this conical region at high speed aredeflected towards the top of the mixing chamber and from there fallradially inwards in an arc and again onto the mixing rotor so that amixing cycle is formed which ensures especially thorough mixing of waterand soluble extract. This mixing cycle also ensures that particles ofthe soluble extract cannot settle on the walls of the mixing chamber butare flushed away by the flow of liquid. This serves to keep the mixingchamber clean.

[0022] Preferably, the mixing rotor is smooth. The first cream rotor mayalso be smooth. In some embodiments, the mixing rotor is a circulardisk. The first cream rotor may also be a circular disk. If the mixingrotor and/or the first cream rotor are constructed as approximatelydisk-shaped, and, in particular, circular-disk-shaped, the liquidimpacting on the surface of the rotating mixing rotor or first creamrotor is thrown radially outwards as a thin film by the centrifugalforce. The film then breaks up into fine drops which impact at highspeed on the side walls of the mixing chamber and the cream chamber.This leads to a good mixing quality in the mixing chamber and a highair-bubble permeation in the cream chamber. By this means, thoroughmixing is ensured even for small quantities of drink.

[0023] In other embodiments, the mixing rotor is driven by a shaftextending from a lower surface of the mixing rotor. The first creamrotor may be driven by a shaft extending from a lower surface of themixing rotor as well.

[0024] For certain applications, the mixing rotor in the non-rotatingstate is constructed as approximately cup-shaped with itscircumferential edge enclosing the mixing chamber's lower outlet. Thecircumferential edge abuts against the dividing wall between the mixingchamber and the cream chamber, thereby sealing the outlet. When themixing rotor is rotating, however, it acquires an approximately flatshape under the action of centripetal force, thereby releasing the seal.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first cream rotor, in the non-rotatingstate, is constructed as approximately cup-shaped with itscircumferential edge enclosing the mixing chamber's lower outlet. Thecircumferential edge abuts against the dividing wall between the mixingchamber and the cream chamber, thereby sealing the outlet. When thefirst cream rotor is rotating, however, it acquires an approximatelyflat shape under the action of centripetal force, thereby releasing theseal.

[0026] Preferably, there is a second cream rotor below the first creamrotor and rotationally fixed on the drive shaft. It may extendapproximately radially in a disk shape, having preferably a largerdiameter than the first cream rotor.

[0027] In some embodiments, there is a valve in between the mixingchamber and the cream chamber to block flow through the outlet of themixing chamber. This would only open the outlet to the cream chamberafter thorough mixing, so that the resulting beverage would bewell-mixed. In some embodiments, the valve comprises a circumferentialedge of the first cream rotor.

[0028] For some applications, there is a water inlet directed into themixing chamber and arranged to aim water directly onto the mixing rotor.Directing the liquid onto the mixing disk brings about an especiallyrapid and internal mixing.

[0029] Preferably, the water inlet directs water into the mixing chambercoaxially along the axis of the mixing rotor. This allows a uniformdistribution of the water in the mixing chamber to be achieved.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first cream rotor and the mixing rotorare driven by the same motor, and are arranged coaxially along an axisof rotation. The first cream rotor and the mixing rotor may be rotatablydrivable about a common axis of rotation.

[0031] In embodiments where the first cream rotor and the mixing rotorare spaced apart along a single drive shaft extending from a drivemotor, only one rotating drive is necessary. Furthermore, no additionallead-in opening is then required for the drive shaft. The drive motormay also be an electrical motor below the cream chamber. In this case,the mixing chamber can be filled with water and soluble extract from thetop of the mixing chamber, unhindered.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage machinehas a mixing chamber in which powdery drink extract and hot water arejoined to produce hot beverages. The mixing chamber has a lower outletand a cream chamber below it to receive hot beverages from the outlet ofthe mixing chamber. There is a rotatable mixing rotor in the mixingchamber to mix the hot water and powdery drink extracts and a rotatablefirst cream rotor in the cream chamber to cream the hot beverage, whichcan be made by adding hot water to the mixing chamber, manually adding apowdery substance to the mixing chamber and activating the mixing andcream rotors to mix the hot water and powdery substance to form amixture. The mixture then flows from the mixing chamber into the creamchamber for aerating to form a hot, creamy beverage. A receiving vesselmay be placed beneath an outer outlet from the cream chamber, to catchthe hot, creamy beverage.

[0033] If none of the existing extract containers is filled with thepowdery soluble extract from which the user would like to prepare amixed drink, he can supply this desired extract manually through theseparate feed opening to the mixing chamber wherein the desired mixeddrink is then prepared. For this purpose it is not necessary to decantan extract container.

[0034] One possibility for a feed opening consists in one part of thefilling opening of the mixing chamber being covered by the extractcontainer or containers and the other part of the filling openingforming the feed opening. In this case, the part of the filling openingforming the feed opening can be freely exposed, and is thus easilyaccessible by the user. In order to be able to keep the mixing chamberclosed during the preparation process, the other part of the fillingopening forming the feed opening can be closable by a cover which can bepivoted on the housing in a simple fashion.

[0035] Another possibility for a feed opening consists of the mixingchamber being located in a receiver which is arranged in the housingsuch that it can be moved from a working position in which the fillingopening is completely or partly covered by the extract container orcontainers, into a feed position in which the filling opening formingthe feed opening is freely exposed. This allows good accessibility tothe mixing chamber so that it can easily be cleaned while in place. Itis also easy to remove a mixing chamber, which is constructed as areplaceable part, for cleaning purposes.

[0036] The receiver of the mixing chamber can either be moveablelinearly from its working position into its feed position or it can beswiveled about a horizontal or vertical swivel axis from its workingposition to its feed position.

[0037] Another possibility is for the feed opening to be constructed inthe upper region of a feed chamber of the housing and the furtherpowdery soluble extract can be conveyed from the feed chamber to themixing chamber by means of a transport system.

[0038] For dispensation of the beverage, the mixing chamber has anoutlet which in particular leads outwards via an outlet connectingpiece. A drinking vessel into which the mixed drink can run can beplaced below this outlet.

[0039] A thoroughly-mixed mixed beverage can be obtained from a welldissolved powdery extract if a mixing rotor (which can be motor-driven)about an axis of rotation is located in the mixing chamber.

[0040] Particularly for the preparation of coffee, there can be locatedbelow the mixing chamber a cream chamber connected or connectable to themixing chamber in which a first cream rotor (which can be motor-driven)about an axis of rotation is located and in which a cream covering thecoffee is produced. In one design the mixing rotor and/or the firstcream rotor can be driven by an electrical motor.

[0041] In designs with a cream chamber, said cream chamber has an outletwhich leads outwards via an outlet connecting piece.

[0042] This also accomplishes the purpose of making mixed beverageswithout the need for a pressurized water source. The mixing chamber andthe mixing rotor are arranged so that when water flows in, the missingrotor makes contact with it by being dipped in or immersed. Using amixing rotor that the water can drip onto alleviates the need forpressurized water flow. The water is broken up into fine droplets by therotational movement of the mixing rotor and thrown approximatelyradially towards the side wall of the mixing chamber. There the dropsdissolve the powdery soluble extract. The mixture then flows to thebottom of the mixing chamber and through the outlet into a drinkingreceptacle.

[0043] Another possibility is for the mixing chamber to have an outletto a cream chamber. In the cream chamber, the mixed liquid is likewisebroken up into fine drops by the first cream rotor, thrown radiallytowards the side wall of the cream chamber and is thereby internallypermeated with extremely small air bubbles so that an especially goodfrothy cream is produced. The drink flowing out through the outletopening is then received, for example, by a drinking vessel and has beenaerated such that it has a good frothy cream on its surface.

[0044] One possibility is to direct the liquid onto the mixing disk.This brings about an especially rapid and internal mixing.

[0045] In order to reduce the overall size, the first cream rotor andthe mixing rotor can be rotatably driveable about a common axis ofrotation which extends from the mixing chamber into the cream chamber.Only a single rotating drive is necessary if the mixing rotor and thefirst cream rotor are arranged rotationally fixed at a distance one fromthe other on a drive shaft of a common drive motor.

[0046] The outlet to the cream chamber is small, therefore, the liquidslowly leaves the mixing chamber. This results in better mixing. Theoutlet can, however, also be provided with an electrically actuatablevalve which only releases the path to the cream chamber after thoroughmixing.

[0047] Another possibility is for the drive motor to be an electricalmotor which is located in the area below the bottom of the cream chamberso that filling of the mixing chamber with water and soluble extractfrom the top of the mixing chamber is unhindered.

[0048] If the mixing rotor and/or the first cream rotor are constructedas approximately disk-shaped, and, in particular, circular-disk-shaped,the liquid impacting on the surface of the rotating mixing rotor orfirst cream rotor is thrown radially outwards as a thin film by thecentrifugal force The film is then broken up into fine drops whichimpact at high speed on the side walls of the mixing chamber and thecream chamber. This leads to a good mixing quality in the mixing chamberand a high air-bubble permeation in the cream chamber. Thus, thoroughmixing is ensured even for small quantities of drink.

[0049] The mixing chamber preferably has a feed opening at its topthrough which the hot water from the hot water supply can be poured intothe mixing chamber.

[0050] The mixing rotor and the first cream rotor can easily be drivenjointly if the axis of rotation of the mixing rotor and the first creamrotor extend approximately coaxially to the outlet. In this case, noadditional lead-in opening is required for the drive shaft.

[0051] Another possibility is to locate the mixing motor in theapproximately conical bottom area of the mixing chamber. The water dropsimpacting on this conical region at high speed are deflected towards thetop of the mixing chamber and from there fall radially inwards in an arcand again onto the mixing rotor so that a mixing cycle is formed whichensures especially thorough mixing of water and soluble extract. Thismixing cycle also ensures that particles of the soluble extract cannotsettle on the walls of the mixing chamber but are flushed away by theflow of liquid. This serves to keep the mixing chamber clean.

[0052] In order to achieve a uniform distribution of the water in themixing chamber, the mouth of the hot water supply can be directedapproximately coaxially towards the axis of rotation.

[0053] If the outlet is closable, thorough mixing of the liquid canfirst take place before the mixed liquid is passed into the creamchamber.

[0054] One possibility is for the first cream rotor in the non-rotatingstate to be constructed as cup-shaped with its radially circumferentialedge enclosing the outlet. The circumferential edge abuts against thedividing wall between the mixing chamber and the cream chamber in asealing fashion. And, in the rotating state, the first cream rotoracquires an approximately flat shape under the action of centrifugalforce.

[0055] For separate cream production, a second cream rotor can bearranged rotationally fixed on the drive shaft on the side of the firstcream rotor facing away from the outlet, whereby the second cream rotorextends approximately radially in a disk shape and preferably has alarger diameter than the first cream rotor.

[0056] Another possibility for the formation of a valve withoutespecially moveable drivable valve parts exists when the mixing rotor isconstructed as approximately cup-shaped in the non-rotating state withits radially circumferential edge enclosing the outlet. Thecircumferential edge abuts against the bottom of the mixing chamber in asealing fashion. And, in the rotating state, acquires an approximatelyflat shape under the action of centrifugal force.

[0057] In order to further ensure that the valve is securely closed inthe non-rotating state and the water can first be poured into the mixingchamber without running immediately into the cream chamber, the firstcream rotor and/or the mixing rotor can have a ring-shaped sealing beador a ring-shaped sealing lip on its radially circumferential edge.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatusfor the preparation of beverages;

[0059]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of anapparatus for the preparation of beverages in the working position;

[0060]FIG. 3 shows the apparatus from FIG. 2 in the feed position;

[0061]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatusfor the preparation of beverages in the working position;

[0062]FIG. 5 shows the apparatus from FIG. 4 in the feed position;

[0063]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of anapparatus for the preparation of beverages in the working position;

[0064]FIG. 7 shows the apparatus from FIG. 6 in the feed position;

[0065]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatusfor the preparation of beverages;

[0066]FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view through a first embodiment ofthe mixing device;

[0067]FIG. 10 shows the mixing device from FIG. 9 and the flow paths ofthe mixed liquid;

[0068]FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view through a second embodimentof a mixing device;

[0069]FIG. 12 shows the mixing device from FIG. 11 with the mixingchamber filled and the outlet of the mixing chamber closed;

[0070]FIG. 13 shows the mixing device from FIG. 11 with the outlet ofthe mixing chamber open;

[0071]FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view through the non-rotatablydriven first cream rotor of the mixing device from FIG. 11; and

[0072]FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view through the rotatably drivenfirst cream rotor of the mixing device from FIG. 11.

[0073] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate likeelements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The apparatus for the preparation of mixed drinks shown in thedrawings has a housing 1 with a base section 2 which has a drinkingvessel recess 3 in which a drinking vessel 4 can be placed.

[0075] Adjacent to the drinking vessel recess 3 in the base section 2 ofthe housing 1 there is located a receiver 5, 5′, 5″ which has afunnel-shaped mixing chamber 6. In its upper region the mixing chamber 6has a filling opening 7.

[0076] Two extract containers 8, 8′ to respectively accommodate aspecific type of powdery soluble extract are arranged above the fillingopening 7. Powdery soluble extract can be supplied to the mixing chamber6 from a metering opening 33, 33′ of each extract container 8, 8′, bymeans of a metering device 32. Water, for example hot water, can besupplied to the mixing chamber 6 from a water supply device 18.

[0077] Located in the receiver 5, 5′, 5″ is an electrical motor 20 todrive a mixing rotor 26 located in the mixing chamber 6 by which means aportion of powdery soluble extract supplied to the mixing chamber 6 canbe mixed with water supplied by the water supply device 18 until thepowdery extract is completely dissolved in the water and a mixedbeverage is produced.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, the filling opening 7 of the mixingchamber 6 is only partly covered by the extract containers 8, 8′, whilethe other part of the filling opening 7 forms a feed opening 9 intowhich a different powdery soluble extract from the soluble extracts inthe extract containers 8, 8′ can be poured manually and supplied to themixing chamber 6.

[0079] In FIG. 1, the feed opening 9 is freely exposed, whereas in FIGS.6 and 7, it is closable by a lid 10. The lid 10 is pivoted on thehousing 1.

[0080] In FIGS. 2-6 the filling opening 7 is completely covered by theextract containers 8, 8′. in FIGS. 2-5, the mixing chamber 6 is arrangedas a replaceable part in a receiver 5′, 5″ which is located in the basesection 2 of the housing 1 so that it is moveable from a workingposition (FIGS. 2 and 4) to a feed position (FIGS. 3 and 5) in order toallow manual pouring of a powdery extract from the extract containers 8,8′ into the mixing chamber 6.

[0081] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the receiver 5′ is linearly displaceable as apush unit between the working position and the feed position whereas inFIGS. 2 and 3 the receiver 5′ can be swiveled about a horizontal swivelaxis in its lower front region between the working position and the feedposition. In the feed position, the filling opening 7 of the mixingchamber 6 is exposed and at the same time forms a feed opening 9′ formanual pouring of the further powdery soluble extract.

[0082] In FIG. 8, a separate feed chamber 11, having an opening in itsupper region, is constructed in the base section 2. The opening in theupper region forms a feed opening 9″ through which a further powderysoluble extract can be poured manually into the feed chamber 11.

[0083] The further extract can be conveyed from the feed chamber 11 tothe mixing chamber 6 by means of a transport system not shown.

[0084] Referring again to FIG. 8, an outlet connecting piece 12 leadsoutwards from the mixing chamber 6, from which outlet the ready beveragecan flow directly into the drinking vessel 4 standing in the drinkingvessel recess 3.

[0085] FIGS. 9-15 show a mixing chamber 6 which is constructed with afunnel-shaped bottom region 14. At the lowest point of the bottom region14 there is constructed a through outlet 15 which leads to a creamchamber 16 located below the mixing chamber 6. The bottom region of thecream chamber 16 is constructed as sloping, with an outlet opening 17leading outwards at the lowest point of the bottom region 14.

[0086] The mixing chamber 6 is open at the top and has an approximatelyradially inwardly directed circumferential collar 13 on itscircumferential opening edge. The central opening of the collar 13 formsthe feed opening 9 of the mixing chamber 6 through which first thepowdery soluble extract and then hot water from a hot water supply 18are poured into the mixing chamber 6.

[0087] Under the bottom area of the cream chamber 31, there is anelectric motor 20 located in a motor chamber 19, whose drive shaft 21 isfed in a sealed fashion through a feed-in opening 23 in the bottom 22(shown in FIG. 11), which projects coaxially through the cream chamber16 and the outlet 15 and ends with its free end at approximately halfthe height of the conical bottom region 14 of the mixing chamber 6.

[0088] On an arm 24 which projects radially into the outlet 15 a bearingbush 25 is located in which the drive shaft 21 is pivoted. The free endof the drive shaft 21 bears a circular disk-shaped mixing rotor 26 whichextends radially from the drive shaft 21. The mixing rotor 26 isrotationally fixed in the mixing chamber 6.

[0089] In the cream chamber 16 a first cream rotor 27, 27′ is alsoarranged rotationally fixed on the drive shaft 21. In FIGS. 9 and 10,the first cream rotor 27 is also constructed as circular disk-shaped andradially extending. The surface of the first cream rotor 27 facing themixing chamber 6 is inclined away from the mixing chamber 6 towards itscircumferential edge starting from the drive shaft 21.

[0090] In FIGS. 11 to 15 the first cream rotor 27′ is made of an elasticmaterial and provided with a pre-stress which deforms it into a cupshape. In the non-rotating state of the first cream rotor 27′, as shownin FIGS. 11, 12 and 14, the first cream rotor 27′ is arched in a cupshape with its circumferential edge towards the dividing wall 28 betweenthe mixing chamber 6 and the first cream rotor 27. A sealing bead 29molded on the circumferential edge of the first cream rotor 27′ abutsagainst the dividing wall 28 enclosing the outlet 15, thereby creating aseal between the mixing chamber 6 and the cream chamber 16. As a resultof the outlet 15 being sealed, the mixing chamber can be filled with thepowdery soluble extract and the hot water without this liquid being ableto escape through the outlet 15 into the cream chamber 16. As a resultof a subsequent rotating drive of the mixing rotor 26 and first creamrotor 27′ about an axis of rotation 30 by the electrical motor 20, thecentrifugal forces acting on the first cream rotor 27′ (FIG. 14) lead toan elastic deformation of the first cream rotor 27′ until it acquires anapproximately elongated disk shape (FIGS. 13 and 15). The outlet 15 isthereby opened and the liquid-extract combination, after having beenmixed by the rotating mixing rotor 26 in the mixing chamber 6, can flowonto the first cream rotor 27′. The liquid-extract combination, forminga thin liquid film on the first cream rotor 27′, is then thrown radiallyoutwards and permeated with fine air bubbles such that a frothy cream isformed. Together with the liquid-extract combination, the cream flowsthrough the outlet opening 17 into a drinking vessel 4.

[0091] After the rotating drive has stopped, the first cream rotor 27′again acquires its shape shown in FIGS. 11,12 and 14 as a result of itspre-stressing and closes the outlet 15 again.

[0092] In FIGS. 9 and 10, after pouring in the powdery soluble extract,the hot water is poured in and at the same time the rotating drive ofthe drive shaft 21, the mixing rotor 26, and the first cream rotor 27are activated and rotate about an axis of rotation 30. The hot waterimpacting on the surface of the mixing rotor 26, forming a thin film ofwater on the mixing rotor, is thrown radially outwards so that afterleaving the mixing rotor 26 the water film breaks up into small waterdroplets which impact at high speed on the powdery extract and theslopes of the conical bottom region 14 of the mixing chamber 6. There,as shown in FIG. 10, they are deflected upwards to the cylindricalregion of the mixing chamber 6 and after using up their kinetic energy,fall radially inwards and then from above again onto the mixing rotor26. Since most of the liquid passes through this cycle several times andonly parts of the liquid flow through the outlet 15 onto the first creamrotor 27, the result is very thorough mixing of water and extract andbreaking up of the extract. When the mixed liquid impacts on the firstcream rotor 27, a very frothy cream is produced in the same fashion isshown in FIGS. 11-15, which flows together with the liquid-extract mixvia the outlet opening 17 into a drinking vessel.

[0093] In FIGS. 11 to 15, mixing of the liquid with the extracts takesplace in a similar fashion as that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The liquidwhich is thrown radially by the mixing rotor 26 completes a repeatedcycle as shown in FIG. 10 before it gradually impacts on the first creamrotor 27′ through the outlet 15.

[0094] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A beverage mixer and dispenser, comprising: ahousing defining a mixing chamber having an upper opening, the housingincluding an extract container positioned above the upper opening of themixing chamber and containing a powdery soluble drink extract; ametering device positioned between the extract container and mixingchamber to dispense a desired amount of the drink extract from theextract container into the mixing chamber through the upper opening, formixing with liquid in the mixing chamber to produce a beverage; and afeed opening exposed at an exterior surface of the housing and leadinginto the mixing chamber, to allow manual addition of drink additives tothe mixing chamber.
 2. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 1,wherein the upper opening comprises the feed opening.
 3. The beveragemixer and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the mixing chamber is defined ina chamber housing, the chamber housing being moveable between a firstposition, in which the upper opening is directly below the meteringdevice, and a second position, in which the feed opening is exposed foradding drink additives.
 4. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 3,wherein the chamber housing is linearly translatable between the firstand second positions.
 5. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 3,wherein the chamber housing is pivotable between the first and secondpositions, about an axis.
 6. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim1, wherein a first portion of the upper opening of the mixing chamber iscovered by the extract container, and a second portion of the upperopening forms the feed opening.
 7. The beverage mixer and dispenser ofclaim 6, wherein the portion of the upper opening forming the feedopening is selectively coverable by a moveable lid, such that openingthe lid exposes the feed opening.
 8. The beverage mixer and dispenser ofclaim 7, wherein the lid is pivotably mounted to the housing.
 9. Amethod of producing and dispensing mixed beverages, the methodcomprising: providing a housing defining a mixing chamber having anupper opening, the housing including an extract container positionedabove the upper opening of the mixing chamber and containing a firstpowdery drink extract, and a metering device positioned between theextract container and mixing chamber to dispense a desired amount of thedrink extract from the extract container into the mixing chamber throughthe upper opening, for mixing with liquid in the mixing chamber toproduce a beverage; manually introducing a powdery, soluble substanceinto the mixing chamber through a feed opening leading to the mixingchamber; introducing hot water into the mixing chamber; mixing the hotwater with the powdery, soluble substance to produce a hot beverage; anddispensing the hot beverage into a receiving vessel disposed beneath themixing chamber.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising metering adesired amount of the first powdery drink extract from the extractcontainer into the mixing chamber, such that the hot beverage containsboth the powdery, soluble substance and the drink extract.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the powdery soluble substance comprises adrink additive.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the powdery solublesubstance comprises a second drink extract that, when mixed alone withhot water, produces a hot beverage.
 13. The method of claim 9, whereinmanually introducing the drink additive comprises opening a lid abovethe feed opening to expose the feed opening, pouring the powdery,soluble substance into the exposed feed opening, and then closing thelid.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the lid pivots on the housing.15. The method of claim 9, wherein the feed opening comprises at least aportion of the upper opening of the mixing chamber.
 16. The method ofclaim 9, wherein manually introducing the powdery, soluble substancecomprises sliding the mixing chamber linearly from its resting positionto expose the feed opening, pouring the powdery, soluble substance intothe exposed feed opening, and then sliding the mixing chamber linearlyto its resting position.
 17. The method of claim 9, wherein manuallyintroducing the powdery, soluble substance comprises swiveling themixing chamber away from its resting position about an axis, thusexposing the feed opening; pouring the powdery, soluble substance intothe exposed feed opening; and swiveling the mixing chamber about theaxis, back to its resting position.
 18. The method of claim 9, whereinthe housing further comprises a feed chamber, which defines the feedopening, and the feed chamber is connected to the mixing chamber bymeans of a transport system.
 19. A beverage mixer and dispenser,comprising: a housing defining a mixing chamber having an upper opening,the housing including an extract container positioned above the upperopening of the mixing chamber and containing a powdery soluble drinkextract; means for dispensing a metered amount of the drink extract fromthe extract container into the mixing chamber through the upper opening,for mixing with liquid in the mixing chamber to produce a beverage; andmeans for manually adding a soluble substance directly into the mixingchamber through a feed opening.
 20. The beverage mixer and dispenser ofclaim 18, wherein the feed opening comprises at least a portion of theupper opening of the mixing chamber.
 21. The beverage mixer anddispenser of claim 19, wherein the mixing chamber is moveable between afirst position, in which the upper opening is directly below thedispensing means, and a second position, in which the feed opening isexposed for adding drink additives.
 22. The beverage mixer and dispenserof claim 18, wherein the housing further defines a feed chamber thatdefines the feed opening, the feed chamber being connected to the mixingchamber by means of a transport system.
 23. A beverage mixer anddispenser, comprising: a housing defining a mixing chamber in whichpowdery drink extract and hot water are joined to produce hot beverages,the mixing chamber defining a lower outlet; and a cream chamber disposedbelow the mixing chamber and arranged to receive hot beverages from theoutlet of the mixing chamber; a rotatable mixing rotor disposed withinthe mixing chamber to mix the hot water and powdery drink extracts; anda rotatable first cream rotor disposed within the cream chamber toaerate the hot beverage, the cream chamber defining an outlet throughwhich the aerated beverage is dispensed into a receiving vessel forconsumption.
 24. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 21, furthercomprising an extract container positioned above the mixing chamber, theextract container containing a quantity of powdery drink extract. 25.The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 22, further comprising ametering device disposed below the extract container for dispensing ametered amount of drink extract from the extract container into themixing chamber for mixing with hot water.
 26. The beverage mixer anddispenser of claim 21, wherein the mixing chamber defines an upperopening through which the drink extract is dispensed into the mixingchamber, the housing further defining a feed opening leading into themixing chamber, for manual addition of drink additives into the mixingchamber.
 27. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 24, wherein themixing chamber is in a chamber housing moveable between a firstposition, in which the upper opening is directly below a meteringdevice, and a second position, in which the feed opening is exposed foradding drink additives.
 28. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 24wherein the housing further defines a feed chamber that defines the feedopening, the feed chamber being connected to the mixing chamber by meansof a transport system.
 29. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 25,wherein the housing is linearly translatable between the first andsecond positions.
 30. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 25,wherein the housing is pivotable between the first and second positions,about an axis.
 31. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 24, whereina portion of the upper opening of the mixing chamber is covered by anextract container and another portion of the upper opening forms thefeed opening.
 32. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 24, whereinthe other part of the filling opening forming the feed opening iscloseable by a lid, and opening such lid makes the feed openingaccessible.
 33. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 29, whereinthe lid is pivoted on the housing.
 34. The beverage mixer and dispenserof claim 21, wherein the lower portion of the mixing chamber isfunnel-shaped.
 35. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 31, whereinthe mixing rotor is disposed in the lower portion of the mixing chamber.36. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 21, wherein the mixingrotor is smooth.
 37. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 21,wherein the mixing rotor is a circular disk.
 38. The beverage mixer anddispenser of claim 21, wherein the mixing rotor is driven by a shaftextending from a lower surface of the mixing rotor.
 39. The beveragemixer and dispenser of claim 21, wherein the first cream rotor issmooth.
 40. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 21, wherein thefirst cream rotor is a circular disk.
 41. The beverage mixer anddispenser of claim 21, wherein the first cream rotor is driven by ashaft extending from a lower surface of the first cream rotor.
 42. Thebeverage mixer and dispenser of claim 21, wherein the first cream rotoris approximately cup-shaped in a non-rotating state, the circumferentialedge of the first cream rotor abutting against the dividing wall betweenthe mixing chamber and the cream chamber, thereby creating a sealbetween the mixing chamber and the cream chamber, and, wherein, in arotating state, the first cream rotor flattens under centripetal force.43. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 40, further comprising aring-shaped sealing bead along the circumferential edge of thecup-shaped first cream rotor.
 44. The beverage mixer and dispenser ofclaim 41, further comprising a second cream rotor located below thefirst cream rotor and rotationally fixed on the drive shaft, andextending approximately radially in a disk shape.
 45. The beverage mixerand dispenser of claim 41, wherein the second cream rotor has a largerdiameter than the first cream rotor.
 46. The beverage mixer anddispenser of claim 21, further comprising a valve disposed between themixing chamber and the cream chamber to block flow through the outlet ofthe mixing chamber.
 47. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 42,wherein the valve comprises a circumferential edge of the first creamrotor.
 48. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 21, furthercomprising a water inlet directed into the mixing chamber, the waterinlet being arranged to impinge water directly on the mixing rotor. 49.The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 44, wherein the water inletdirects water into the mixing chamber coaxially along the axis of themixing rotor.
 50. The beverage mixer and dispenser of claim 21, whereinthe first cream rotor and the mixing rotor are driven by a single motor,and are arranged coaxially along an axis of rotation.
 51. The beveragemixer and dispenser of claim 21, wherein the first cream rotor and themixing rotor are rotatably drivable about a common axis of rotation. 52.A method of producing a mixed beverage, the method comprising: providinga housing defining a mixing chamber in which powdery drink extract andhot water are joined to produce hot beverages, the mixing chamberdefining a lower outlet; and a cream chamber disposed below the mixingchamber and arranged to receive hot beverages from the outlet of themixing chamber; further providing a rotatable mixing rotor disposedwithin the mixing chamber to mix the hot water and powdery drinkextracts; further providing a rotatable first cream rotor disposedwithin the cream chamber to aerate the hot beverage; adding hot water tothe mixing chamber; manually adding a powdery substance to the mixingchamber; activating the mixing and first cream rotors to mix the hotwater and powdery substance to form a mixture that flows from the mixingchamber into the cream chamber for aerating to form a hot aeratedbeverage; and placing a receiving vessel beneath an outer outlet fromthe cream chamber, for accumulating the hot aerated beverage.
 53. Themethod of claim 50, wherein the lower portion of the mixing chamber isfunnel-shaped.
 54. The method of claim 51, wherein the mixing rotor isdisposed in the lower portion of the mixing chamber.
 55. The method ofclaim 50, wherein the mixing rotor is smooth.
 56. The method of claim50, wherein the mixing rotor is a circular disk.
 57. The method of claim50, wherein the mixing rotor is driven by a shaft extending from a lowersurface of the mixing rotor.
 58. The method of claim 50, wherein thefirst cream rotor is a circular disk.
 59. The method of claim 50,wherein, in a non-rotating state, the first cream rotor is approximatelycup-shaped with its circumferential edge enclosing the lower outlet ofthe mixing chamber, the circumferential edge abutting against thedividing wall between the mixing chamber and the cream chamber in asealing fashion, and, wherein, in a rotating state, the first creamrotor flattens under centripetal force.
 60. The method of claim 58,wherein a ring-shaped sealing bead is attached along the circumferentialedge of the cup-shaped first cream rotor.
 61. The method of claim 50,wherein there is located below the first cream rotor a second creamrotor rotationally fixed on the drive shaft which extends approximatelyradially in a disk shape.
 62. The method of claim 51, wherein thediameter of the second cream rotor is larger than the diameter of thefirst cream rotor.
 63. The method of claim 50, further comprisingproviding a valve disposed between the mixing chamber and the creamchamber to block flow through the outlet of the mixing chamber.
 64. Themethod of claim 60, wherein the valve comprises a circumferential edgeof the first cream rotor.
 65. The method of claim 60, further comprisingproviding a water inlet directed into the mixing chamber and arranged toimpinge water directly on the mixing rotor.
 66. The method of claim 62,wherein the water inlet directs water into the mixing chamber coaxiallyalong the axis of the mixing rotor.
 67. The method of claim 50, whereinthe first cream rotor and the mixing rotor are spaced apart along asingle drive shaft extending from a drive motor.
 68. The method of claim66, wherein the drive motor is an electrical motor disposed below thecream chamber.